Penshoppe Launches #IAmDifferent Anti-Bullying Campaign

I am Rockstarmomma and I proudly support #IamDifferent, the Anti-bullying campaign of Penshoppe. It's okay to be different. Different is good. I AM DIFFERENT.

I wish I could have told "younger me" that it was okay that I wasn't
popular. That when other teased me, it wasn't a reflection of myself but instead a glimpse of their own character.
That self worth isn't found in the acceptance of others and following
the crowd wasn't going to make me feel good about myself.

That it was okay to be weird and different. I wish I could have told that old me who was bullied that she was stronger than her anxiety. That it didn't define her. I can't go back and tell old me any of these things though, but now I've learned that it's okay to embrace all of me, and that I should surround myself with positive influences and people who encourage me to love myself, not harm myself.

In a world where being different results to being mocked, isolated, and bullied, now is the time to empower today’s youth to celebrate their uniqueness. This is what local retail brand Penshoppe aims to communicate with the launch of their newest campaign #IAmDifferent.

I was able to find out more about Penshoppe's anti-bullying campaign at their exhibit yesterday at the BGC Arts Center. I also met some of their influencers who shared their thoughts and experiences about this topic.

As the brand’s first public CSR project, #IAmDifferent aims to form a movement to inspire everyone to embrace who they are despite what other people may think.

Jeff Bascon, Penshoppe’s brand director

“Being different is something to celebrate and be proud of, that’s why Penshoppe is truly committed to empowering the youth to embrace their individuality”, says Jeff Bascon, Penshoppe’s brand director.

With the help of international brand ambassadors Bella Hadid, Lucky Blue Smith, Kaia Gerber, and Sandara Park among many other big names, Penshoppe brings its focus to the widespread issue of bullying plaguing the Filipino youth.

This campaign presents a timely opportunity for everyone to start talking about the pressing issue of bullying in the country. A study reports that 1 out 2 Filipino students have experienced or witnessed bullying in their schools. It has also taken a new form especially with the advent of social media as it provides a more convenient avenue to spread hate and thrive on people’s insecurities.

“Our society, especially today’s youth, faces the harsh reality of bullying just because we may look or act differently from others. Penshoppe believes that there is a need for us to use our voices and influence everyone to take a stand against bullying”, Bascon notes.

At the core of this campaign is Penshoppe’s newest collection of tees and caps which are emblazoned with the campaign statements “I Am Different” and “Different is good”. Each t-shirt from the limited edition #IAmDifferent collection features construction from luxe fabric and with a special identifier: a unique serial number.

Proceeds from the #IAmDifferent collection will benefit development of a module that discourages bullying and encourages acceptance in public school children, in partnership with Teach For The Philippines.

“We know we have a long way to go, but we hope that this campaign will start a movement, educate and encourage many Filipinos to be involved and to do their part against bullying”, Bascon adds.

The movement has already started on social media, with a growing number of posts tagged by ClubPenshoppePH members Loisa Andalio, Ronnie Alonte, Sofia Andres, Tanner Mata, Maria Fabiana, and Emilio Perez. Local personalities have also lent their voices to the cause, including Alab Pilipinas head coach Jimmy Alapag, SheTalks Asia co-founder Vicky Herrera, entrepreneur Patti Grandidge, singer/songwriter Keiko Necesario, and others.

Join the #IAmDifferent movement by posting a photo of yourself wearing the I Am Different or Different Is Good shirt/cap and share your reason why it’s okay to be different. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #IAmDifferent! 15 followers will each receive a P2,000 Penshoppe shopping voucher by random selection.

Wear your differences proud! Visit www.penshoppe.com to know more about how you too can embrace what makes you different and take a stand against bullying.

Michelle is an anti-losyang mom who likes to write about parenting, fashion, events, beauty, fitness, tech, travel and ramblings that can make other people laugh/cry/relate. She's also a licensed physical therapist who decided to be a WAHM and yaya of 2 little brats. She's really good at losing her keys and so many other things. So, if you're looking for a perfect mom who has it all together, you came to the wrong person and quite frankly, I don’t know what you’re doing here. :) She's a mom who wants to reassure other moms that it's okay to be imperfect and they're not the only ones having a messy and unpolished version of parenting. Get in touch with her through rockstarmomma88@gmail.com or by using the contact form below for projects, collaborations, media launches, product reviews or just to say Hi! She would love to hear from you!